billed by previous owners for furnace oil

[david martin]

THE PREVIOUS HOMEOWNERS SENT US A BILL FOR THE OIL THAT WAS LEFT IN THE OIL FURNACE TANKS. WE CONSIDERED THIS PART OF THE HOUSE AND DON'T FEEL WE NEED TO PAY. DOES ANY ONE HAVE ANY ADVICE.

WE LIVE IN VIRGINIA AND WE ARE NOT SURE THAT THIS IS A NORMAL CUSTOM.

 

[TimC]

I have heard of this. It is not uncommon. And with the current cost of heating oil, they are probably technically correct in charging you for it. Personally, if I were selling a house I would probably not bother, but to some people every penny counts.

I am not sure what the law states, but I guess you bought a house, NOT the oil in the tank.

If you don't want to pay it, tell the previous owners to come and get it! Either that or offer a lower price, maybe they will get the hint that they are being frivilous. How much oil are we talking about? What is the current rate where you are? Make sure you quote the price of the oil, NOT the price including delivery, as it is already delivered!

 

[HomeGuru]

If you have already closed and there is no provision in the sales contract with respect to Buyer pays for oil in the furnace tank, then you owe nothing more.